IDEATE

Overview

The IDEATE workflow generates creative ideas through structured brainstorming with fine-grained control over creativity and quantity. Unlike simple prompts, IDEATE systematically generates multiple distinct ideas with configurable parameters that let you tune the creative output to your specific needs.

Key Capabilities:

• Configurable idea quantity (num_ideas parameter)
• Adjustable creativity via temperature control
• Structured generation with synthesis
• Conversation threading for iterative refinement
• Constraint-based ideation with system prompts

Use Cases:

• Product and feature brainstorming with creativity control
• Problem-solving with practical or innovative approaches
• Marketing campaigns from conservative to bold
• Technical innovation with tunable risk levels
• Process improvement ideas at different creativity levels

When to Use

Use the IDEATE workflow when you need to:

• Creative exploration - Generate multiple distinct ideas with control over creativity level
• Quantity control - Specify exactly how many ideas you need (3 for quick wins, 10 for comprehensive)
• Iterative brainstorming - Build on previous ideas through conversation threading
• Constrained ideation - Generate ideas within specific constraints or criteria
• Tiered creativity - Explore ideas at different creativity levels (practical to bold)

When NOT to Use

Avoid the IDEATE workflow when:

Situation	Use Instead
Need to analyze existing argument	ARGUMENT - IDEATE generates new, doesn't evaluate existing
Want multiple model perspectives	CONSENSUS - IDEATE uses single model
Need systematic investigation	THINKDEEP - IDEATE is creative, not investigative
Simple question or fact	CHAT - IDEATE adds overhead for idea generation
Already know what you want	Direct implementation - No need for brainstorming

Creative Control: Temperature Parameter

The temperature parameter is your primary tool for controlling creativity, risk, and innovation level.

Temperature Scale Overview

0.0                    0.5                    0.7                    1.0
<<$
CONSERVATIVE           PRACTICAL              BALANCED               BOLD
Proven approaches      Incremental            Mix of safe            Disruptive
Low risk               improvements           and innovative         High innovation
Optimizations          Feasible ideas         (RECOMMENDED)          Experimental

Temperature Ranges Explained

Low Creativity (0.0-0.4): Conservative & Practical

Characteristics:

• Proven, well-established approaches
• Incremental improvements on existing solutions
• Low-risk ideas focused on optimization
• Practical, implementable concepts
• Conservative thinking

When to use:

• Database optimization techniques
• Performance improvements
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Process refinements
• Technical debt reduction

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Database optimization techniques" --temperature 0.4 --num-ideas 5

Expected ideas:

• Index optimization strategies
• Query performance tuning
• Connection pooling improvements
• Caching layer additions
• Partitioning strategies

---

Medium Creativity (0.5-0.7): Balanced Approach

Characteristics:

• Mix of practical and creative solutions
• Some innovation with manageable risk
• Balanced between proven and experimental
• Good feasibility-to-innovation ratio
• Recommended for most use cases

When to use:

• General feature brainstorming
• User engagement strategies
• API design improvements
• Product roadmap planning
• Team productivity enhancements

Example:

model-chorus ideate "User engagement strategies for mobile app" --temperature 0.7

Expected ideas:

• Push notification personalization
• Gamification elements
• Social sharing features
• Progress tracking systems
• Community-driven content

---

High Creativity (0.8-0.9): Innovative & Bold

Characteristics:

• Bold, unconventional ideas
• Higher innovation, higher risk
• Challenges existing assumptions
• Explores emerging technologies
• Pushes boundaries

When to use:

• Product differentiation strategies
• Disruptive feature concepts
• Marketing campaign creativity
• Competitive advantage ideation
• Innovation workshops

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Disruptive features for task management" --temperature 0.9 --num-ideas 7

Expected ideas:

• AI that predicts task priorities
• Emotion-aware task scheduling
• VR/AR task visualization
• Brain-computer interface integration
• Quantum-inspired task optimization
• Blockchain-based task verification
• Biometric stress-triggered breaks

---

Maximum Creativity (0.95-1.0): Experimental & Disruptive

Characteristics:

• Highly creative, experimental concepts
• Maximum innovation exploration
• "Blue sky" thinking
• Disruptive, paradigm-shifting ideas
• High risk, high potential reward

When to use:

• Breakthrough innovation sessions
• Future-focused R&D ideation
• Moonshot project brainstorming
• Startup pivot exploration
• Industry disruption thinking

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Revolutionary approaches to software development" --temperature 1.0 --num-ideas 10

Expected ideas:

• Quantum computing for code compilation
• Biological neural networks for testing
• Holographic collaborative coding
• AI-generated entire applications from thoughts
• Self-evolving codebases
• Consciousness-driven programming languages

---

Temperature Selection Guide

Your Goal	Recommended Temperature	Example Use Case
Optimize existing system	0.3-0.5	"Ways to speed up our database queries"
Improve current features	0.5-0.7	"Enhancements for user onboarding flow"
Add new features	0.6-0.8	"New features for productivity app"
Innovate in product	0.7-0.9	"Innovative ways to handle notifications"
Disrupt industry	0.9-1.0	"Revolutionary approaches to task management"

Temperature Best Practices

DO:

•  Start with 0.7 (balanced) for most use cases
•  Lower temperature (0.4-0.6) for technical/infrastructure work
•  Raise temperature (0.8-1.0) for marketing/creative work
•  Match temperature to your risk tolerance
•  Use continuation to refine with lower temperature

DON'T:

• L Use 1.0 for production-critical systems
• L Use 0.3 for creative marketing campaigns
• L Expect practical ideas at 0.95+
• L Expect disruptive ideas at 0.4-

Quantity Control: num_ideas Parameter

The num_ideas parameter controls how many distinct ideas are generated.

Idea Count Guidelines

3-4 IDEAS                 5-7 IDEAS                8-10 IDEAS               10+ IDEAS
<<$
QUICK EXPLORATION         STANDARD (RECOMMENDED)   COMPREHENSIVE            EXHAUSTIVE
Fast                      Balanced                 Thorough                 Maximum diversity
Focused                   Good coverage            Extensive                Very comprehensive
Targeted                  Most use cases           Deep exploration         All possibilities

Idea Count Ranges Explained

Quick Exploration (3-4 ideas)

Characteristics:

• Fast generation time
• Focused, targeted ideas
• Quick brainstorming sessions
• Good for time constraints
• Concise output

When to use:

• Quick wins needed
• Time-constrained decisions
• Simple problem domains
• Focused exploration
• Initial reconnaissance

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Quick wins for page load time" --num-ideas 3 --temperature 0.6

Output: 3 high-quality, implementable ideas

---

Standard Brainstorming (5-7 ideas) [RECOMMENDED]

Characteristics:

• Balanced coverage
• Good diversity
• Reasonable generation time
• Adequate exploration
• Best for most use cases

When to use:

• General brainstorming sessions
• Feature planning
• Problem-solving
• Standard ideation needs
• Most use cases

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Feature ideas for mobile app" --num-ideas 6

Output: 6 distinct ideas with good diversity and depth

---

Comprehensive Exploration (8-10 ideas)

Characteristics:

• Thorough coverage
• High diversity
• Longer generation time
• Extensive exploration
• Multiple angles covered

When to use:

• Important decisions
• Strategic planning
• Competitive analysis
• Innovation sessions
• Thorough exploration needed

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Marketing strategies for product launch" --num-ideas 9 --temperature 0.8

Output: 9 diverse ideas covering various approaches and channels

---

Exhaustive Ideation (10+ ideas)

Characteristics:

• Maximum diversity
• All angles explored
• Longest generation time
• Very comprehensive
• Diminishing returns possible

When to use:

• Critical strategic decisions
• Major product pivots
• Comprehensive innovation workshops
• Exploring entire solution space
• Maximum idea diversity needed

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Complete redesign approaches for our platform" --num-ideas 15 --temperature 0.85

Output: 15+ ideas with extensive coverage (watch for diminishing quality)

---

Idea Count Selection Guide

Situation	Recommended Count	Rationale
Quick decision needed	3-4	Fast, focused
Standard brainstorming	5-7	Balanced coverage
Important feature planning	6-8	Good exploration
Strategic initiative	8-10	Comprehensive
Innovation workshop	10-15	Maximum diversity
Simple problem domain	3-5	Fewer options needed
Complex problem domain	7-10	More angles to explore

Quantity Best Practices

DO:

•  Start with 5-7 for most cases
•  Use 3-4 when time is constrained
•  Use 8-10 for important decisions
•  Consider problem complexity when choosing count
•  Use continuation to refine specific ideas

DON'T:

• L Generate 15+ ideas without good reason (diminishing returns)
• L Use 3 ideas for complex strategic decisions
• L Request more ideas than you'll actually evaluate
• L Conflate quantity with quality

Combining Temperature and num_ideas

The real power comes from combining these parameters strategically.

Strategic Combinations

Quick Practical Wins (Low temp + Few ideas)

model-chorus ideate "Performance optimizations for API" \
  --temperature 0.5 \
  --num-ideas 4

Result: 4 practical, implementable optimization ideas

---

Standard Innovation (Medium temp + Medium ideas)

model-chorus ideate "New features for productivity tool" \
  --temperature 0.7 \
  --num-ideas 6

Result: 6 balanced ideas mixing practical and innovative

---

Creative Exploration (High temp + Many ideas)

model-chorus ideate "Disruptive marketing campaigns" \
  --temperature 0.95 \
  --num-ideas 10

Result: 10 bold, creative campaign concepts

---

Comprehensive Strategic Planning (Varied)

# Step 1: Generate many creative ideas
model-chorus ideate "Product differentiation strategies" \
  --temperature 0.85 \
  --num-ideas 12

# Step 2: Refine top 3 with practical details
model-chorus ideate "Expand on ideas #2, #5, and #9 with implementation details" \
  --continue [session-id] \
  --temperature 0.6 \
  --num-ideas 3

---

Combination Decision Matrix

Goal	Temperature	num_ideas	Example
Quick fixes	0.4-0.5	3-4	"Database query optimizations"
Feature additions	0.6-0.7	5-7	"New app features"
Innovation session	0.8-0.9	8-10	"Innovative product concepts"
Marketing creativity	0.9-1.0	6-10	"Bold marketing campaigns"
Strategic planning	0.7-0.8	8-12	"5-year product roadmap ideas"
Process improvement	0.5-0.6	5-6	"Team workflow enhancements"

CLI Usage

Basic Invocation

Simple ideation:

model-chorus ideate "New features for task management app"

Expected output:

Generating ideas for: New features for task management app

--- Idea 1: Smart Task Prioritization ---
[Detailed description]

--- Idea 2: Collaborative Workspaces ---
[Detailed description]

--- Idea 3: AI-Powered Time Estimates ---
[Detailed description]

--- Idea 4: Focus Mode with Pomodoro ---
[Detailed description]

--- Idea 5: Task Dependencies Visualization ---
[Detailed description]

--- Summary & Recommendations ---
[Synthesis with top recommendations]

Session ID: ideate-thread-abc123

With Creative Control

Control both creativity and quantity:

# Practical ideas (low creativity, few ideas)
model-chorus ideate "Database optimization strategies" \
  --temperature 0.5 \
  --num-ideas 4

# Balanced brainstorming (default)
model-chorus ideate "User engagement strategies" \
  --temperature 0.7 \
  --num-ideas 6

# Bold, creative ideas (high creativity, many ideas)
model-chorus ideate "Disruptive product features" \
  --temperature 0.95 \
  --num-ideas 10

With Provider Selection

# Use Claude (excellent for creative ideation)
model-chorus ideate "Marketing campaign ideas" --provider claude

# Use Gemini (strong analytical creativity)
model-chorus ideate "Technical architecture ideas" --provider gemini

# Use Codex (best for code-related ideas)
model-chorus ideate "Code refactoring approaches" --provider codex

With Constraints

# Add specific constraints
model-chorus ideate "Revenue streams for startup" \
  --system "Must be implementable within 6 months, budget under $50k, target individual developers" \
  --temperature 0.75 \
  --num-ideas 7

With Continuation

# Initial brainstorming
model-chorus ideate "Gamification features for learning platform" --num-ideas 7

# Drill into specific idea
model-chorus ideate "Expand on idea #2 with implementation details" \
  --continue [session-id] \
  --temperature 0.6 \
  --num-ideas 1

Configuration Options

Core Parameters

Parameter	Type	Default	Description
prompt	str	Required	Topic/area for idea generation
num_ideas	int	5	Number of ideas to generate (1-20)
temperature	float	0.7	Creativity level (0.0-1.0)
max_tokens	int	None	Maximum response length
system_prompt	str	None	Constraints, context, or criteria
session_id	str	None	Thread ID to continue session
files	List[str]	[]	File paths for context

Parameter Defaults Rationale

• num_ideas=5: Balanced coverage without overwhelming output
• temperature=0.7: Mix of practical and creative ideas
• These defaults work well for 80% of use cases

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Product Features (Balanced)

model-chorus ideate "New features for developer productivity tool" \
  --num-ideas 7 \
  --temperature 0.75 \
  --system "Target: Individual developers and small teams. Must integrate with VS Code and GitHub."

Expected output:

• 7 balanced ideas mixing practical and innovative features
• Synthesis recommending top 3 with implementation priorities

Example 2: Marketing Campaigns (High Creativity)

model-chorus ideate "Creative marketing campaigns for sustainable fashion brand" \
  --num-ideas 8 \
  --temperature 0.95

Expected output:

• 8 bold, unconventional marketing concepts
• High creativity with unique angles

Example 3: Performance Optimization (Low Creativity)

model-chorus ideate "Ways to reduce API latency by 50%" \
  --file docs/current_architecture.md \
  --num-ideas 6 \
  --temperature 0.5

Expected output:

• 6 practical, proven optimization techniques
• Focus on implementable solutions

Common Brainstorming Patterns

Pattern 1: Feature Brainstorming

Use Case: Generate new features for existing product

Pattern:

# Step 1: Generate broad feature ideas
model-chorus ideate "New features for [product name]" \
  --num-ideas 8 \
  --temperature 0.75 \
  --system "Target users: [user persona]. Current features: [list]. Goals: [objectives]"

# Step 2: Refine top 3 ideas with details
model-chorus ideate "Expand on ideas #2, #5, and #7 with implementation details, user value, and effort estimates" \
  --continue [session-id] \
  --temperature 0.6 \
  --num-ideas 3

Why this works:

• Broad exploration first (higher temp, more ideas)
• Refinement second (lower temp, fewer ideas, more detail)
• Provides both creativity and practicality

---

Pattern 2: Problem-Solution Ideation

Use Case: Find creative solutions to specific problem

Pattern:

# Generate solutions with constraints
model-chorus ideate "Creative solutions for: [problem statement]" \
  --num-ideas 7 \
  --temperature 0.8 \
  --system "Constraints: [list constraints]. Must be [criteria]"

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Creative solutions for: Reducing customer support tickets by 40%" \
  --num-ideas 7 \
  --temperature 0.8 \
  --system "Constraints: Budget $50k, 3-month timeline, no additional headcount. Must improve user experience."

---

Pattern 3: Tiered Exploration

Use Case: Explore ideas at multiple creativity levels

Pattern:

# Practical tier
model-chorus ideate "Proven, practical approaches for [topic]" \
  --num-ideas 5 \
  --temperature 0.5

# Innovative tier
model-chorus ideate "Innovative but feasible ideas for [topic]" \
  --num-ideas 6 \
  --temperature 0.75

# Bold tier
model-chorus ideate "Bold, unconventional ideas for [topic]" \
  --num-ideas 5 \
  --temperature 0.95

Why this works:

• Provides range of options from safe to risky
• Helps stakeholders choose risk tolerance
• Comprehensive coverage of solution space

---

Pattern 4: Iterative Refinement

Use Case: Start broad, progressively narrow focus

Pattern:

# Round 1: Wide exploration
model-chorus ideate "Ways to improve [area]" \
  --num-ideas 10 \
  --temperature 0.8

# Round 2: Focus on promising direction
model-chorus ideate "Drill deeper into idea #4 (mention specific aspect). Generate variations and improvements." \
  --continue [session-id] \
  --num-ideas 6 \
  --temperature 0.75

# Round 3: Implementation details
model-chorus ideate "For the most promising variation, provide: implementation steps, required resources, timeline, risks." \
  --continue [session-id] \
  --temperature 0.6 \
  --num-ideas 1

---

Pattern 5: Constrained Brainstorming

Use Case: Generate ideas within specific constraints

Pattern:

model-chorus ideate "[topic] ideas" \
  --num-ideas 7 \
  --temperature 0.7 \
  --system "MUST meet these constraints:\n  - Timeline: [timeframe]\n  - Budget: [amount]\n  - Team size: [number]\n  - Tech stack: [technologies]\n  - Must integrate with: [systems]\n  - Success metrics: [KPIs]"

Example:

model-chorus ideate "Revenue stream ideas for developer tools startup" \
  --num-ideas 7 \
  --temperature 0.75 \
  --system "MUST meet these constraints:\n  - Timeline: Launch within 6 months\n  - Budget: Under $75k\n  - Team: 3 developers\n  - Tech stack: Python, React\n  - Must integrate with: GitHub, VS Code\n  - Success metrics: $10k MRR in first quarter"

---

Pattern 6: Competitive Analysis Ideation

Use Case: Differentiate from competitors

Pattern:

model-chorus ideate "Unique features that differentiate us from [competitors]" \
  --num-ideas 8 \
  --temperature 0.85 \
  --system "Competitors: [list competitors and their key features]. Our strengths: [list]. Target users: [persona]" \
  --file competitor_analysis.md \
  --file our_product_strategy.md

---

Feature Ideation Examples

Example 1: Mobile App Features

Scenario: Task management mobile app needs new features

model-chorus ideate "Innovative features for personal task management mobile app" \
  --num-ideas 8 \
  --temperature 0.8 \
  --system "Target users: Busy professionals, ages 25-45. Current features: Basic task lists, due dates, notifications. Goals: Increase daily active usage, improve task completion rates."

Expected Ideas:

1. Smart Task Prioritization with AI

   • Learns from your habits to suggest which tasks to do first
   • Considers deadlines, effort estimates, and your energy levels
   • Adapts to your productivity patterns

2. Collaborative Workspaces

   • Shared task lists with team members
   • Real-time sync and notifications
   • Role-based permissions and task assignment

3. AI-Powered Time Estimates

   • Predicts how long tasks will take based on similar past tasks
   • Helps with realistic scheduling
   • Improves over time with your data

4. Focus Mode with Pomodoro Integration

   • Blocks distracting apps during focus sessions
   • Integrates with calendar to find focus time
   • Tracks productivity streaks

5. Task Dependencies Visualization

   • Visual graph showing task relationships
   • Identifies blockers automatically
   • Suggests optimal task order

6. Voice Task Entry with Context

   • Add tasks via voice with natural language
   • Auto-extracts due dates, priorities from speech
   • Works with smart assistants

7. Habit Tracking Integration

   • Combines tasks with recurring habits
   • Streak tracking and rewards
   • Insights on consistency

8. Energy-Level Based Scheduling

   • User indicates energy levels throughout day
   • System suggests tasks matching current energy
   • Adapts schedule to your rhythm

Synthesis: Top 3 recommendations are Smart Prioritization (high value, feasible), Focus Mode (user requested feature), and Voice Entry (competitive differentiator).

---

Example 2: Developer Tools Feature

Scenario: Code editor needs productivity-boosting features

model-chorus ideate "Innovative productivity features for code editor targeting individual developers" \
  --num-ideas 10 \
  --temperature 0.85 \
  --system "Target: Individual developers and small teams. Must integrate with Git. Current features: Syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, debugging. Budget: $100k. Timeline: 6 months."

Expected Ideas:

1. AI-Powered Code Completion
2. Automated Test Generation from Code
3. Smart Code Review Suggestions
4. Project Dependency Visualizer
5. Focus Mode with Distraction Blocking
6. Collaborative Debugging Sessions
7. Performance Profiling Integration
8. Automated Documentation Generation
9. Code Quality Metrics Dashboard
10. Context-Aware Refactoring Suggestions

---

Example 3: SaaS Platform Features

Scenario: B2B SaaS platform needs engagement features

model-chorus ideate "User engagement and retention features for B2B project management SaaS" \
  --num-ideas 7 \
  --temperature 0.75 \
  --system "Target: Small to medium businesses (10-100 employees). Current MAU: 5k. Goal: Reduce churn from 8% to 4% monthly. Budget: $150k."

Expected Ideas:

1. Personalized Onboarding Paths - Adaptive tutorials based on role and experience
2. Team Health Scorecard - Metrics showing project health, team velocity, blockers
3. Integration Marketplace - Connect with 100+ business tools users already use
4. Smart Notifications - AI determines what's urgent vs what can wait
5. Achievement System - Gamify project milestones and team collaboration
6. Weekly Insights Reports - Auto-generated summaries of progress and trends
7. In-App Video Tutorials - Contextual help exactly when users need it

---

Example 4: Marketing Campaign Ideas

Scenario: Sustainable fashion brand needs creative campaigns

model-chorus ideate "Bold, unconventional marketing campaigns for sustainable fashion brand" \
  --num-ideas 8 \
  --temperature 0.95 \
  --system "Brand values: Sustainability, transparency, quality. Target: Millennials and Gen Z concerned about environment. Budget: $200k for 6-month campaign."

Expected Ideas (High Creativity):

1. "Wear Your Values" Influencer Partnership

   • Partner with micro-influencers who embody sustainability
   • Each piece tells the story of its environmental impact
   • Transparency report with every garment

2. Virtual Fashion Shows in the Metaverse

   • 3D fashion shows in virtual worlds
   • Digital clothing NFTs with physical redemption
   • Zero-waste fashion events

3. Clothing Lifecycle Transparency App

   • Scan QR code to see garment's full journey
   • Shows carbon footprint, water usage, worker conditions
   • Blockchain-verified authenticity

4. Trade-In Program with Gamification

   • Bring old clothes, get credits for new sustainable pieces
   • Leaderboards for most clothes recycled
   • Community challenges

5. Sustainable Fashion Education Series

   • TikTok/YouTube series on fast fashion impact
   • Partner with environmental organizations
   • User-generated content challenges

6. Community-Driven Design Contests

   • Users submit sustainable design ideas
   • Winning designs produced in limited runs
   • Designers get portion of sales

7. "True Cost" Calculator

   • Tool showing environmental cost of fast fashion vs sustainable
   • Shareable infographics for social media
   • Viral potential through shock value

8. Pop-Up Repair Cafés

   • Free clothing repair events in major cities
   • Teaches mending skills
   • Builds community around sustainability

---

Technical Contract

Parameters

Required:

• prompt (string): The topic or problem for which to generate creative ideas

Optional:

• --provider, -p (string): AI provider to use for idea generation - Valid values: claude, gemini, codex, cursor-agent - Default: claude
• --num-ideas, -n (integer): Number of distinct ideas to generate - Range: 1-20 - Default: 5 - Recommended: 5-7 for balanced exploration
• --continue, -c (string): Session ID to continue previous ideation session - Format: ideate-thread-{uuid} - Maintains conversation history for iterative refinement
• --file, -f (string, repeatable): File paths to include as context for ideation - Can be specified multiple times - Files must exist before execution - Helps ground ideas in existing constraints or context
• --system (string): Additional system prompt to set constraints or criteria - Useful for specifying budget, timeline, technical constraints, or target audience - Applied to all generated ideas
• --temperature, -t (float): Creativity level for idea generation - Range: 0.0-1.0 - Default: 0.7 - Lower (0.3-0.5) for practical/proven ideas - Medium (0.6-0.8) for balanced innovation - Higher (0.8-1.0) for bold/disruptive ideas
• --max-tokens (integer): Maximum response length in tokens - Provider-specific limits apply - Affects detail level of generated ideas
• --output, -o (string): Path to save JSON output file - Creates or overwrites file at specified path
• --verbose, -v (boolean): Enable detailed execution information - Default: false - Shows provider details and timing

Return Format

The IDEATE workflow returns a JSON object with the following structure:

{
  "result": "=== Idea 1: [Title] ===\n[Description]\n\n=== Idea 2: [Title] ===\n[Description]\n\n... [num_ideas total] ...\n\n=== Summary & Recommendations ===\n[Synthesis of top ideas]",
  "session_id": "ideate-thread-abc-123-def-456",
  "metadata": {
    "provider": "claude",
    "model": "claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022",
    "num_ideas_requested": 5,
    "num_ideas_generated": 5,
    "temperature": 0.7,
    "prompt_tokens": 200,
    "completion_tokens": 800,
    "total_tokens": 1000,
    "timestamp": "2025-11-07T10:30:00Z"
  }
}

Field Descriptions:

Field	Type	Description
result	string	All generated ideas with clear headers, followed by a summary and recommendations section that synthesizes the ideas
session_id	string	Session ID for continuing this ideation session (format: ideate-thread-{uuid})
metadata.provider	string	The AI provider used for idea generation
metadata.model	string	Specific model version used by the provider
metadata.num_ideas_requested	integer	Number of ideas requested via --num-ideas parameter
metadata.num_ideas_generated	integer	Number of ideas actually generated (typically matches requested)
metadata.temperature	float	Temperature setting used for this ideation (0.0-1.0) - Higher values produce more creative/bold ideas
metadata.prompt_tokens	integer	Number of tokens in the input (prompt + context + history)
metadata.completion_tokens	integer	Number of tokens in the generated ideas and synthesis
metadata.total_tokens	integer	Total tokens consumed (prompt_tokens + completion_tokens)
metadata.timestamp	string	ISO 8601 timestamp of when the ideation was completed

Usage Notes:

• Save the session_id to continue ideation with refinements, expansions, or follow-up questions
• The result includes both individual ideas and a synthesis/recommendation section
• Token costs scale with num_ideas - more ideas means higher token usage
• Temperature directly impacts idea creativity: 0.4 (practical) → 0.7 (balanced) → 0.9 (bold)
• The synthesis section at the end provides a curated view of the strongest ideas
• Use --system to provide constraints that shape all generated ideas consistently

Best Practices for Brainstorming

1. Start Broad, Then Narrow

Pattern:

# ✅ Good: Start with many ideas at medium-high creativity
model-chorus ideate "Product improvement ideas" --num-ideas 10 --temperature 0.8

# Then refine best ideas with more detail
model-chorus ideate "Expand on ideas #2 and #7" --continue [session-id] --temperature 0.6

Avoid:

# ❌ Less effective: Going straight to detailed implementation
model-chorus ideate "Detailed implementation plan for specific feature" --temperature 0.5

---

2. Match Parameters to Purpose

Purpose	Temperature	num_ideas	Example
Quick wins	0.4-0.6	3-5	Infrastructure improvements
Standard features	0.6-0.8	5-7	Product roadmap planning
Innovation session	0.8-0.95	8-12	Competitive differentiation
Breakthrough thinking	0.95-1.0	10-15	Industry disruption ideas

---

3. Use Constraints for Focus

With constraints (focused, actionable):

model-chorus ideate "Feature ideas" \
  --system "Timeline: 3 months. Budget: $50k. Team: 2 developers. Tech: React, Node.js"

Without constraints (too broad):

model-chorus ideate "Feature ideas"

---

4. Save and Document Ideas

Pattern:

# Generate ideas and save output
model-chorus ideate "Revenue stream ideas" --num-ideas 8 > brainstorm_2025-11-07.txt

# Reference in follow-up
model-chorus ideate "Combine ideas #3 and #6 from previous session" --continue [session-id]

---

5. Combine with Other Workflows

IDEATE → ARGUMENT Pattern:

# Step 1: Generate ideas with IDEATE
model-chorus ideate "API architecture approaches" --num-ideas 6 --temperature 0.75

# Step 2: Evaluate top idea with ARGUMENT
model-chorus argument "GraphQL approach (idea #3) is the best choice for our use case"

IDEATE → CONSENSUS Pattern:

# Step 1: Generate ideas with single model
model-chorus ideate "Database migration strategies" --num-ideas 5

# Step 2: Validate top approach with multiple models
model-chorus consensus "Evaluate zero-downtime migration approach" -p claude -p gemini -s synthesize

---

Troubleshooting Brainstorming Sessions

Issue: Ideas Too Similar or Repetitive

Symptoms: All ideas feel like variations of the same concept

Solutions:

# Increase temperature
model-chorus ideate "..." --temperature 0.9  # Was: 0.6

# Request explicit diversity
model-chorus ideate "..." --system "Generate highly diverse ideas exploring completely different approaches and angles"

# Generate more ideas (more attempts = more variety)
model-chorus ideate "..." --num-ideas 12  # Was: 5

---

Issue: Ideas Too Generic or Vague

Symptoms: Ideas lack specificity or actionable details

Solutions:

# Provide more context
model-chorus ideate "Feature ideas" \
  --system "Context: Healthcare app for elderly users, iOS only, accessibility focus, 10k users" \
  --file user_research.md

# Request specific details in prompt
model-chorus ideate "Detailed feature ideas with implementation approach, user value, and success metrics"

# Use continuation to refine
model-chorus ideate "Expand idea #4 with specific user stories, technical requirements, and UI mockup descriptions" \
  --continue [session-id] --temperature 0.6

---

Issue: Ideas Too Impractical

Symptoms: Creative but not feasible with current resources

Solutions:

# Lower temperature
model-chorus ideate "..." --temperature 0.6  # Was: 0.9

# Add practical constraints
model-chorus ideate "..." \
  --system "Must be implementable within 3 months with 2 developers and $30k budget. Use existing tech stack."

# Request explicitly practical ideas
model-chorus ideate "Practical, immediately implementable ideas for..."

---

Issue: Not Enough Creative Ideas

Symptoms: All ideas are safe, incremental improvements

Solutions:

# Increase temperature significantly
model-chorus ideate "..." --temperature 0.95  # Was: 0.6

# Request bold thinking
model-chorus ideate "Bold, unconventional, disruptive ideas for..." --temperature 0.95

# Remove constraints temporarily
model-chorus ideate "Blue sky thinking for ... (no constraints, maximum creativity)"

---

Issue: Too Many Ideas to Evaluate

Symptoms: Overwhelmed with options, can't decide

Solutions:

# Use continuation to synthesize and prioritize
model-chorus ideate "From the 12 ideas generated, identify the top 3 based on: user value, implementation feasibility, and competitive advantage. Explain reasoning." \
  --continue [session-id] --num-ideas 1 --temperature 0.6

# Or generate fewer ideas initially
model-chorus ideate "..." --num-ideas 5  # Was: 12

# Use ARGUMENT to evaluate top ideas
model-chorus argument "Idea #3 (specific feature) should be our top priority"

---

Comparison with Other Workflows

IDEATE vs CHAT

Aspect	IDEATE	CHAT
Purpose	Generate multiple creative ideas	Simple conversation
Output	Multiple distinct ideas + synthesis	Single response
Creativity Control	Temperature + num_ideas	Temperature only
Use when	Need multiple options	Need single answer

IDEATE vs ARGUMENT

Aspect	IDEATE	ARGUMENT
Purpose	Generate new ideas	Analyze existing arguments
Process	Creative generation	Dialectical reasoning
Creativity	Configurable via temperature	Fixed analytical approach
Use when	Need creative options	Need to evaluate a claim

Progress Reporting

The IDEATE workflow automatically displays progress updates to stderr as it executes. You will see messages like:

Starting ideate workflow (estimated: 20-45s)...
✓ ideate workflow complete

Important for Claude Code: Progress updates are emitted automatically - do NOT use BashOutput to poll for progress. Simply invoke the command and wait for completion. All progress information streams automatically to stderr without interfering with stdout.

See Also

Related Workflows:

• CHAT - Simple conversation for quick questions
• ARGUMENT - Evaluate generated ideas dialectically
• CONSENSUS - Get multi-model perspectives on ideas
• THINKDEEP - Systematic investigation with evidence